Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro proposed a 7.1% ($17.2 million) increase in general support funding for Penn State’s 2023-24 allowance during his first budget address as governor on Tuesday.

His proposal is significantly lower than the 47.6% ($115.2 million) increase requested by Penn State administrators and student leadership. The sizable request was to grant Penn State’s in-state students financial support similar to students attending other Pennsylvania public universities. Penn State receives the lowest funding in the state on a per-student basis.

The general support appropriation covers teaching costs, invests in the quality of Penn State academic programs, and allows Penn State to provide discounted tuition to in-state students. The 7.1% increase would bring the general support funding to $259.3 million.

“We understand that available funding is limited, and we sincerely appreciate the proposed increase, but closing the per-student funding disparity that exists between Penn State and the other public universities in Pennsylvania remains a priority, as it is critical to our students’ success and to our long-term ability to provide all Pennsylvanians with affordable access to a world-class education,” Zack Moore, Penn State vice president for Government and Community Relations, said.

Last year, the university’s general support appropriation remained flat at $242.1 million for the third consecutive year.

Shapiro also proposed a 7.1% increase for the Pennsylvania College of Technology, a 2% increase for Penn State Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension, $2.35 million for the Invent Penn State initiative, and $15.1 million for Penn State Health and the College of Medicine.

Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi is scheduled to appear before the Pennsylvania House and Senate appropriations committees to discuss the university’s funding with legislators on March 21 and March 30.

“This is the beginning of a new partnership with the governor and his administration, and I look forward to working with him and the General Assembly in the months and years ahead to continue to address the needs of our students and strengthen Penn State’s impact on the commonwealth,” Bendapudi said.